This semester I have been teaching Studio Concepts at EMU. This is a fascinating class to teach, and unique among many classes at the college art level. This is a course that asks students to take the formal structures they have learned in their first two years, and asks them to begin considering contemporary art themes in the development of work that builds conceptual thinking into formal creation. It is not media specific, and students are asked to work with mediums they are at least familiar with, and that will most reveal the conceptual meaning built into each piece. Drawing, painting, sculpting, photography, video, performance, installation and more- all are open and encouraged. The diversity of work coming out of one class has been exceptional and exciting!
Within four projects I give them themes to work from and I introduce professional and student work along those themes. Project One explored Time and Place. Project Two, Nature, Science and Spirituality. Project Three explores Identity, Memory and The Body, and their final project will synthesize any of these themes and their own interests. They take these themes, readings and visual presentations and ideate in their sketchbooks. Group and one-on one discussions take place, and the projects develop within the community of the classroom.
Within each project they are asked to make journal entries exploring artists, media and writings based on the current theme. Project Proposals explore what they might make and how, and what problems they might encounter along the way. These are developed into artist statements for each project, that shift and coalesce as the concept and form of each project develops. Studio work time is scheduled where discussions and collaboration continue. I strongly emphasize the quality of their final presentations, as I shift our studio into a gallery-like setting for critique. Critiques are deeply engaging and highly thought-provoking!
Lastly, they are asked to create an online presence and share their writings, research and final development with the class, and if they wish, the entire world beyond. This helps to prepare them for an increasingly important online art community and market.
What a fun class to teach! Watch as I add more of their completed projects to my Studio Concepts web page. Be sure to scroll over each opened image to see the materials and themes explored!
http://nick-reszetar.squarespace.com/student-work-studio-concepts/
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